Businesses and organisations have faced challenging times throughout the pandemic and this will likely have an ongoing impact on the workforce.
Workplace changes, financial concerns and personal circumstances can all affect workers Mental Wellbeing and our campaign aims to support Fife's workforce by emphasising the importance of supporting each other #ItsEveryonesJob.
Everyone has Mental Health
Just as Physical Health refers to everything relating to the health of our bodies, Mental Health refers to the health of our minds.
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
Healthy Working Lives says:
As an employer, you have a crucial role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of your employees, whether the problems are related to work or not.
Changes in Mood
A ‘bad day’ can occasionally last longer than that – depending on circumstances - and as long as an individual feels able to cope, the associated low feelings should pass. However, if a longer lasting mood dip creeps in and affects an individual’s emotional wellbeing, it’s advisable to seek help.
Mind have information available for mental health conditions.
People may feel uncomfortable discussing their Mental Health with others. They may feel embarrassed and vulnerable - they may not know who they can turn to.
Simply asking someone if they’re OK can help. Open the conversation and listen – it’s OK not to have all the answers and more important to offer the time for a chat and show empathy. Workplace adjustments in response to conversations can support workers.
Why not check out our Workforce Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention campaign resources for more information, training opportunities and support.
Distress/Crisis
Distress and Crisis brings unpleasant emotions, feelings and thoughts.
The triggers for Distress/Crisis can vary but can often be significant occurrences in a persons life e.g. incidents which are unexpected and cause alarm, trauma, life altering circumstances, tragic news.
NOTE: A person does not need to have previous poor Mental Health to experience Distress/Crisis.
A worker/colleague may present to you whilst experiencing Distress/Crisis and there are things you can do to help. Offer time on a one-to-one basis to engage in confidential conversations.
Why not check out our Workforce Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention campaign resources for more information, training opportunities and support.
Suicide Prevention
A recent Fife Workplace Team Needs Assessment questionnaire identified that 40% of respondents had been recently affected by suicide in their workplace.
Mental Health Foundation says;
Suicide behaviours are complex, there is no single explanation of why people die by suicide. Social, psychological, and cultural factors can all interact to lead a person to suicidal thoughts or behaviour. For many people, an attempt may occur after a long period of suicidal thoughts or feelings, while in other cases, it may be more impulsive.’
You will not encourage a suicide by engaging in conversation - asking the questions can save a life. Having open and empathetic conversations with your workers can reduce the risk of suicide.
Why not check out our Workforce Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention campaign resources for more information, training opportunities and support.
After a Suicide, Support for Others
How people are affected by suicide may differ depending on the relationship/links with the person themselves, and their own life experiences/abilities to cope.
Death by suicide affects many people whether directly linked to the individual or not.
Why not check out our Workforce Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention campaign resources for more information, training opportunities and support: including the Workplace Traumatic Incident Framework, which can assist you to develop workplace policies to manage traumatic incidents effectively, if they do occur.
Signposting and Support
- SamH After a Suicide booklet will help you with the practical issues that need to be faced after a suicide. It also discusses some of the emotions you might be experiencing and suggests some places where you can get help
- Fife Health Promotion Service’s Keeping Connected leaflet provides a directory of services available throughout Fife who offer help and support on a range of issues
- NHS 24 Mental Health Hub is available 24/7 on 111
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year - if you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
- Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) is a website and phone service for anyone experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety
- CALM: is specifically for young men. Telephone 0800 58 58 58
- Access Therapies Fife
- Moodcafe Fife
- NHS Inform Suicide Information
Why not check out our Workforce Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention campaign resources for more information, training opportunities and support.
